Pennsylvania motorcycle — quick answer
In Pennsylvania, a motorcycle bill of sale is not required and notarization of the title transfer is required. The state form used for titled vehicles is MV-4ST. Titling and registration are handled by the PennDOT.
Is a motorcycle bill of sale required in Pennsylvania?
Not required. There is no standalone state bill of sale; the notarized title assignment and Form MV-4ST (completed through an authorized agent) govern the transfer.
Seller signs the title before a notary/agent; the transfer is processed through an authorized PennDOT agent (messenger/notary/tag service).
Does a Pennsylvania motorcycle bill of sale need to be notarized?
Required. Pennsylvania is a title-notary state: the seller's signature on the title assignment must be notarized or completed before an authorized PennDOT agent.
Because Pennsylvania requires notarization for the title transfer, do not sign the title until you are in front of a notary.
What to include on a Pennsylvania motorcycle bill of sale
- Buyer and seller names and addresses
- Year, make, model, and engine size (cc)
- 17-character VIN
- Odometer reading
- Sale price and date
- Both signatures
How to transfer a motorcycle in Pennsylvania
- 1Complete the bill of sale and title assignment.
Record the buyer, seller, price, odometer, and date. Sign the title before a notary, as Pennsylvania requires.
- 2Hand over the signed title.
Seller signs the title before a notary/agent; the transfer is processed through an authorized PennDOT agent (messenger/notary/tag service).
- 3Register with the PennDOT.
The buyer titles and registers the motorcycle, bringing Vehicle Sales and Use Tax Return / Application for Registration. Confirm current fees on the official page.
Odometer disclosure
Federal law requires a written odometer disclosure when title is transferred for vehicles less than 20 years old. As of 2026 that means model year 2011 and newer; model year 2010 and older are generally exempt. Record the exact mileage — never round it. See the NHTSA rule.
Official sources
Requirements change and can vary by county. Confirm with the PennDOT before you sign. Not legal advice.
Pennsylvania Motorcycle Bill of Sale — FAQ
Is a motorcycle bill of sale required in Pennsylvania?
A bill of sale is not required in Pennsylvania. There is no standalone state bill of sale; the notarized title assignment and Form MV-4ST (completed through an authorized agent) govern the transfer.
Does a Pennsylvania motorcycle bill of sale need to be notarized?
Yes. Pennsylvania is a title-notary state: the seller's signature on the title assignment must be notarized or completed before an authorized PennDOT agent.
Does a motorcycle bill of sale need a VIN?
Yes. The 17-character VIN uniquely identifies the motorcycle and is required to register it. Our tool checks that the VIN is the correct length.
Is a motorcycle bill of sale the same as a title?
No. The title proves and transfers ownership; the bill of sale documents the sale and price. You typically need both to register the motorcycle.
Is a bill of sale proof of ownership?
Generally no. For titled property like a car or boat, the title is what proves ownership. A bill of sale proves that a sale happened and records the price, date, and terms — it supports the title transfer but does not replace it. For untitled property (furniture, equipment, electronics), the signed bill of sale is usually the main proof of ownership.